Helping Women in STEM Thrive

Women who hold a degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) are less likely than their male counterparts to work in a STEM occupation. There are many theories, such as lack of role models and family flexibility, however, in 2011 women held less than 25 percent of STEM jobs in the U.S.

Globally, the average participation rate of women in scientific fields, both private and public, is 30 percent. For women who hold a STEM degree, how can we empower them to join this workforce? Or for those who have left the STEM work force, how can we help them reenter and thrive? For the women who have been out of the work force and want to reenter, it can be hard in a fast paced field to be up to speed with the latest technologies, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Around the globe, companies like IBM are finding ways to help bring women to the technology sector and onto a technical career path, from investing in women without traditional technical backgrounds to offering mentorships, they’re supporting women who can become the next technical leaders.

IBM is investing in women, whether new to the company, previous employees or current employees. It is providing support through mentoring and networks that can create a foundation for a career path towards technical leadership roles. Its Technologista YouTube series offers an inside glimpse at what the women at IBM are doing. Read more about women at IBM here.

This is the third infographic in a series of three about women in the technology workforce. View the first and second.